Apple launches new AI-powered accessibility features
Apple has unveiled new accessibility features coming later this year, including eye tracking and musical haptic experiences.
What happened?
On 15 May 2026, Apple presented a series of new accessibility features. These include Eye Tracking, which enables control of iPhone and iPad via eye movements, and Music Haptics, a new feature for deaf or hard-of-hearing users that translates music into vibrations via the Taptic Engine. An additional feature is Vocal Shortcuts, which allows users to create custom commands for Siri using specific sounds.
Key facts
| Lanseringsdatum | 15 maj 2026 |
|---|---|
| Tillgänglighet | Globalt under 2026 |
| Nya funktioner | Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, Vocal Shortcuts |
| Teknologi | Apple Intelligence |
”Apple unveiled new accessibility features that will be available later this year, including Eye Tracking for hands-free iPhone and iPad navigation, Music Haptics for Deaf and hard of hearing users, and Vocal Shortcuts for custom-made Siri commands.”
Why it matters
These updates reinforce Apple's commitment to accessibility and broaden the user base for its products. By integrating advanced AI models, specifically Apple Intelligence, the user experience is improved for individuals with various disabilities. The features aim to make technology more intuitive and adaptable for all users, regardless of physical conditions.
Who is affected?
Users with disabilities are the primary target group for these updates. Developers building apps for the Apple ecosystem can benefit from the new APIs to integrate similar accessibility features. Apple benefits by cementing its position as a leader in accessible technology.
Impact on the EU
The features will be available globally later in 2026, including for users within the EU. This means EU citizens with disabilities will be able to benefit from these innovations directly upon launch.
What else you should know
The new features build on Apple's existing accessibility framework and utilise on-device machine learning to ensure user data management and privacy.
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